Over the years, Barcelona has become one of my favorite destinations in Spain. Not only does it have a lot to offer in the way of culture and food, but its location right on the Balearic Sea means the beach just minutes from the city. This gives Barcelona the perfect mix of bustling city and relaxing beach life. While this guide only scratches the surface, here’s my round-up of the best things to do and see in Barcelona, Spain.
When to Visit Barcelona:
For the best weather, I recommend visiting between April and October. If you’re looking to enjoy the beach while you’re there, stick to May through September timing.
Where to Stay in Barcelona:
The El Born and Gothic Quarter neighborhoods are the best places to stay if you’re looking to be in close proximity to restaurants and bars, while also being within easy traveling distance of the city’s best sites.
Helpful Things to Know About Barcelona:
- Locals speak Catalan, which is a Romance language from the Neo-Latin group. It’s similar to Spanish but still very different. That being said, a lot of people working in hotels and restaurants do also speak some English.
- I’ve been to Barcelona a number of times now and I would consider the city to be safe. Like any place when you’re traveling it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid flaunting any expensive goods. I’ve always worn crossbody bags when roaming around Barcelona and haven’t had any problems with pickpockets.
- Uber is available in Barcelona.
- Barcelona is a very walkable city so don’t forget to bring your walking shoes!
What to Do & See in Barcelona:
Take in the beauty of Casa Batlló.
A stunning Antoni Gaudi masterpiece in the center of the city, Casa Batlló is a must-see. You can schedule a tour to walk through the inside of the property, or simply enjoy its beauty from the outside. The immense detail and colors on the building are truly breathtaking.
Tour the La Sagrada Familia.
Considered to be the symbol of Barcelona, the La Sagrada Familia is still unfinished to this day. Like Casa Batlló, you can organize a tour to see the inside, which I must say is absolutely stunning and something you should do at least once. Or, you can just take in the detail of its facade from the park across the street. If you do plan to go inside, be sure to order your tickets ahead of time online and dress appropriately with at least mid-thigh shorts and skirts, no see through clothing and no swimwear (per their required dress code).
Roam through Park Guell.
Park Güell is one of my favorite things to see in Barcelona. A private park of gardens and architectural elements with some of the best views of the city, it’s something that you cannot miss. Roaming through the grounds you’ll see a number of beautiful tiled structures and breathtaking city views at every turn.
Pro Tip: Park Güell costs 10€ to enter. I recommend visiting in the morning as there’s very little shade in the park so the afternoon heat can be relenting.
Relax on La Barceloneta Beach.
Located just minutes from the city’s Gothic Quarter you’ll find La Barceloneta Beach. You can always use the W Hotel’s tall exterior as the best way to judge its distance. You’ll find beach bars and restaurants scattered throughout the area, serving some much needed beach indulgences like mojitos and cervezas. Luckily, La Barceloneta is not like most city beaches in that here you’ll still find beautiful, clear water so it really does offer a tranquil escape from city life.
Pro Tip: Depending on where you decide to sit you will find that people will hassle you to buy towels, umbrellas, etc., so just be prepared that it might not be the most relaxing experience. I’ve found that the farther that you go away from the heart of the city, the more you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals rather than tourists.
Browse through the Picasso Museum.
Home to one of the largest permanent collections of artwork by Pablo Picasso, this is a great place to spend the afternoon to escape the afternoon heat in the city.
Roam the Gothic Quarter.
The Gothic Quarter is one of my favorite areas in Barcelona as you can really see and feel the history as you walk through its streets. It’s also home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants so it makes for a great place to base yourself while exploring all that the city has to offer.
Walk through the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (aka the Barcelona Cathedral) to see the geese.
Dating back to the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, the Barcelona Cathedral is quite a site to be seen. In the center of the cathedral you’ll find a Cloister which houses a pond and is home to 13 white geese, as per tradition. It costs nothing to enter the cathedral so it’s definitely worth visiting to get another taste of the city’s history and culture.
Pro Tip: Be sure to cover your shoulders, or use one of the scarves that they provide prior to entering.
Stop by Plaça Reial.
You’ll find a number of squares in Barcelona and Plaça Reial in the Gothic Quarter is one of my favorites. The square is lined with a number of restaurants and oftentimes they’ll host outdoor markets here depending on the day. I recommend heading here in the afternoon, grabbing a drink or a cup of coffee and people watching.
Eat at one of the city’s many delicious restaurants.
This city is full of delicious food. Whether you’re eating at a 5-star restaurant or a local establishment, there is no shortage of A few of my favorites are:
- Bar Brutal
- Quimet & Quimet
- Tapeo del Born
- La Flauta
- Golfo de Bizkaia
Grab a bite to eat at Mercado de la Boqueria.
While we’re on the topic of food, wandering through the many stalls of the Mercado de la Boqueria is a Barcelona right of passage. Roam through the many vendors and grab a fresh juice, a tapas or a plate of seafood. The opportunities are endless here!
If you’re looking for more guides to Spain, check out my guides on The Best Things to Do in Madrid and How to Spend 6 Days Road Tripping Through Mallorca.
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